Hebrews 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to JESUS the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before HIM endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of GOD.
Perseverance: continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure, or opposition: the action or condition or an instance of persevering: steadfastness [Merriam-Webster's Dictionary]
DISCUSSION
Although the writer of the letter to the Hebrews never mentions his name, many attribute the authorship of this epistle to Paul. One of the purposes of the Hebrews letter was to encourage Christians to remain faithful to the faith, despite the hostility around them. Since Greek athleticism and the Olympic Games were well-known, the author compares living the Christian life to running a race with perseverance.
The idea of running a race with perseverance means that there will be difficulties, opposition, even temporary set-backs and there may even be so called "failures" during the run. But despite these things, the runner runs on toward the finish line where the ultimate prize awaits. The author states that just like in the Olympic games in a great Greek amphitheater, Christians should remind themselves that there is a great "cloud" of people (i.e. witnesses) there to both cheer them on and to provide inspiration. These include those great Olympians of the Old Testament, mentioned in Hebrews chapter 11, those great "Olympians of Faith."
Some of the great Olympians of Faith witnesses include Able, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Jacob, Moses, Gideon, David and Samuel. There are also women "Olympians of Faith" who are part of the great cloud of witnesses, from whom we can gather inspiration. The author mentions Sarah and Rehab, who some called a harlot, but who ended up in the genealogy of JESUS CHRIST. The running analogy and the reference to the various Old Testament Olympian runner witnesses is powerful. These prior Olympians remind us that they too faced great obstacles, and though they sometimes "failed", "fell," doubted themselves and were often ridiculed, they just kept running and in the end finished their race to glory. These flawed heroes and sheroes are our greatest role models and supporters. When we think we have it bad, we need to just think of some of the things these men and women had to endure. Just thinking of them should put wind under our wings. Just knowing that they and our ancestors are "cheering" in the heavenly amphitheater for us should give us a "second wind" to run on just a little bit further.
But, most of all, just knowing that HE, who endured the cross, despised the shame, who ran a perfect race and is now seated at the right hand of GOD and has ALL POWER and is our EMANUEL (GOD with us) and will even carry us, should provide a wonderful, blessed assurance of VICTORY!
Running For Physical Fitness
According to Barbara Russi Samataro, "You don't have to be an athlete—or even aspire to be one—to start running:"
Just look at Jim Scott. In January 2003, a month after he turned 60, Scott began running. That November, he finished the New York City Marathon (it took him six hours).
Scott, a radio-talk show host in Cincinnati, Ohio, didn't do much in the way of exercise before then. He played golf as often as he could but never found the time for regular workouts.
"When I turned 60, I thought it was a good time to reassess things," says Scott. "I started thinking, 'These 36-inch (waist) pants I've worn all my life are getting a bit tighter.'"
Scott decided he wanted to get in better shape, feel comfortable in his pants again, and improve his golf game. Oh, and there was one more impetus to try running: "I'm married to a marathon runner," he says.
Scott himself never intended to run a marathon. He simply wanted to go on Sunday morning runs with his wife, Donna Hartman, and keep up....
See, "Fitness Basics: Running For Your Life," by Barbara Russi Samataro, Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD, www.webmd.com.
According to Samataro, some of the basics for starting running include the following:
- Get Good Gear -- get yourself a good pair of running shoes.
- Start Gradually -- before starting consult your physician, especially if you are a man, 45 years or older or a woman 50 years or older.
"When I first started," recalls Scott, "Julie said, 'Do you think you can run for 15 minutes?' I said, 'Are you kidding me?
'"I ran about 45 seconds. I was amazed at how little I could do." But he plugged through it. - Stick With It – be consistent (e.g., keep a running log or journal; specify goals (by time, distance, weight loss or cholesterol; find a friend to run with.)"Ninety percent of running is just showing up, getting in the game, getting off the sidelines,"
Id at www.Webmd.com.
And, study. Be sure to read about safe running, speed, stretching, hydration, clothing, training and techniques to avoid injury. And remember, running is not for everyone. If you have a medical condition, a disability, if running is painful or your doctor advises you not to run, ask your doctor about other forms of exercise or a fitness routine that works for you, like walking or chair exercises.
Running with Perseverance
A fellow church member once reminded me that "life" is a "Faith Walk," not a "Cakewalk." Hebrews Chapter 12 further reminds us that "Faith" is not static; it is a "Race." Our job is to run....not physically run, but "run in faith"—to keep moving, to never give up, to keep looking ahead "in faith" to "the AUTHOR of our faith" knowing that we can finish this race victoriously because of HIM.
So eat raw, exercise, study the WORD of GOD, stay off the sidelines of indifference and run in faith, with perseverance and determination.
For those participating in Koinonia---stay strong and press on!
For those who still wish to start a Koinonia "New Year" program, it is not too late. Any time is always a good time to begin! Send me your physical and spiritual goals today. There are many ready to pray with you and to be part of your "great cloud" of witnesses to your journey with JESUS.
So, press onward, press upward and Be blessed!
